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How to Insert Photos from Gallery Directly into OneNote for Android

Camila MilosovichCamila Milosovich Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to insert an existing photo from their Android device's local gallery directly onto a OneNote page so that the image is visible inline.

How to Insert a Photo from the Gallery in OneNote for Android
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Android
Scenario
Inserting a saved image onto a note page while working from an Android smartphone or tablet.
Observed behavior
When using the paperclip icon, the image is added as a downloadable file attachment rather than being displayed directly as a visible image on the page.
Before you start

Ensure that the OneNote app has been granted permission in your Android settings to access your device's photos and media files.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Camera Icon to Insert Photos Inline

Use this method to display photos directly on your OneNote page rather than as a downloadable file attachment.

By default, OneNote for Android treats anything added via the paperclip icon as a file attachment. To insert a picture so that it displays inline, you must use the camera tool instead.

1
Open the note

Launch the OneNote app on your Android device and navigate to the specific note page where you want to add the photo.

2
Access the formatting toolbar

Tap anywhere on the blank space of the note page to bring up the text cursor and the formatting toolbar.

3
Tap the Camera icon

In the toolbar, locate and tap the 'Camera' icon instead of the paperclip (attachment) icon.

4
Select the Gallery option

From the camera menu or the left pane that appears, select the 'Gallery' icon to browse your device's saved images.

5
Insert the image

Choose the existing photo you wish to add. It will now be inserted directly onto the OneNote page as a visible image.

Use the Camera Icon to Insert Photos Inline
Image successfully inserted: Your photo is now displayed inline. You can tap on the image to resize or move it within your note.
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  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. 2. Create or open a document: Launch the app and open a new Document or any existing Word file.
  3. 3. Insert an inline picture: Tap the 'Tools' menu at the bottom, switch to the 'Insert' tab, and select 'Picture' to seamlessly add photos from your gallery into your document.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my photos appear as file icons in OneNote for Android?

By default, OneNote treats any file added via the paperclip icon as a standard file attachment. To display a photo directly on the page, you must use the Camera icon on the toolbar and select the photo from your gallery.

How do I fix a missing Gallery icon in the OneNote camera menu?

Ensure OneNote has the necessary permissions to access your device's media via Android Settings. If the permission is granted but the icon is still missing, try updating the app from the Google Play Store or reinstalling it.

Can I insert multiple photos inline at once on OneNote for Android?

Yes, when you tap the Camera icon and access your gallery, you can usually long-press to select multiple images depending on your Android version, and they will be inserted directly onto the note page one after another.